It is inevitable that you’ll have to stay up late one night to study. Every one does it at one point. Sometimes we slip up and forget about a quiz or test scheduled for the next day. Cramming the night before an exam is not the right way to learn or study, but it happens. People make mistakes. If you do find yourself up late with a bunch of work left, here are some tips to get you through the night.

Plan ahead of time. That way, you won’t have to stay up all night studying. Time management is one of those essential life lessons, and learning it from an early age will make it a good habit.  

Pick the right environment to study in. You know yourself best. Decide whether you’ll get more work done at the desk in your room or at a table in the library. Do you like to study in groups or solo? If you do study with a group, pick people that you know you can study with.

Avoid distractions. You can easily get sucked into Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or television. Steer clear of these diversions and stay focused on your main goal.   

Take breaks. It’s a good way to clear your mind and keep your concentration levels high. Taking a short walk or some sort of physical activity will increase oxygen to the brain, allowing you to refocus. But, be weary. A long break could convince you to go to bed.   

Choose smart snacks. If you’ll be up all night, you’ll need to get your energy from somewhere. Junk food, excessive sugar and caffeine will only make you crash. Protein will keep your energy levels up and fruit is always a good option. Make sure to portion your snacks correctly.

Get some sleep. It is important for your brain to function properly the next day. Sleep is more effective than Starbucks in the morning and is essential to regain strength.

Avoiding staying up late to study is the best method to use. It has been proven that consistency in studying versus cramming is a lot more effective. Managing your time correctly is the best way to avoid all-nighters.